Barcelona

Barcelona have been one of the biggest transfer spenders in recent years and are now over $1 billion in debt because of it. But what if they didn't sign ...

There would be no financial problems -- the exact opposite, in fact -- and the club would still have all of its future TV and merchandising revenue still in place. Since the team have been managed so prudently, Suarez will stay with the club rather than moving to Atletico in the summer of 2020. No Frenkie de Jong arriving this summer -- and also no Antoine Griezmann. But the biggest non-arrival would be Pedri. We could go either way with him -- is he a first-team signing if he was immediately loaned out for a year? In the midfield next to Rakitic and Busquets, we'd be piecing together some Roberto minutes, along with some burn for Rafinha and prospects like Carles Alena and Riqui Puig. At center-back, we'd likely be rolling with mostly Bartra and some time for an aging Mascherano, Mathieu and Vermaelen. Worst case, Bartra is the same average LaLiga center-back that he became outside of Barcelona. Also, rather than loaning out left-back Marc Cucurella, we give him minutes as Alba's backup. This is maybe where the lack of first-team arrivals really starts to put on a squeeze, but at the same time, your core hasn't changed at all. None of these players ever started 25 LaLiga games in a season for the club, and only one of them -- Umtiti, who has made 17 league starts over the past three years -- is still with the team. Umtiti became a starter immediately, but instead you'd be piecing together his minutes with a combo of Bartra, Mascherano, and Jeremy Mathieu. The other guys were all squad players, and you've got Pedro, Deulofeu, Cristian Tello (who went on loan to Fiorentina), Alves, Rafinha and Montoya to fill in those gaps. So, without making any transfer additions, Barcelona would be where they actually ended up in 2015-16: easy LaLiga winners and one of the favorites for the Champions League. And well, that's always been an option at Barcelona. So, given that a risky transfer strategy got them here in the first place -- and that Laporta seems to think it's the only way to get them out of it, too -- I've got a couple questions: What if Barcelona just didn't sign anyone? Rather than chasing the transfer market, you decide that you can use the money you save to take the academy to another level, or take care of your current squad, or pay yourself or whatever. Most of Barca's revenue streams were shut off, and there was no cushion to be provided by a benevolent billionaire since the team is member-owned. Given those dreams of billion-dollar revenues, you rarely heard the cap mentioned in reference to Barcelona. They spent wildly on transfer fees and even more wildly on player salaries when life was good -- and then a pandemic hit.

The Blaugrana have been busy with their checkbook in past days, managing to deliver two of first team coach Xavi Hernandez's main transfer targets in Raphinha ...

That and the maximum pressure that he has had to endure," Laporta went on. "We have competed with teams like PSG and Chelsea to sign Robert [Lewandowski] and he wanted to come here. Denmark international Christensen is a good option at center back.

Barcelona said Tuesday the fee to acquire striker Robert Lewandowski could reach 50 million euros ($50.2 million). The Spanish club said it will pay Bayern ...

His official signing and presentation were originally scheduled for Monday but it was delayed without an official reason given by Barcelona. The buyout clause for the 33-year-old Lewandowski will be set at 500 million euros ($512 million) on a contract valid for four seasons. The Spanish club said it will pay Bayern Munich 45 million euros ($46 million) plus 5 million euros ($5.1 million) in variables for the transfer of the prolific Poland player.

Barcelona have signed big names this summer despite having money issues. How do they do it? Here's a look at Barca's creative ways to free up cash.

But it seems like an astonishing risk, particularly when there was an obvious opportunity for gradual consolidation based around the current fleet of exceptional young players, using Xavi to return the club to its philosophical roots. The gamble appears to be that buying now will get Barcelona out of its slump and the success it generates will raise revenues sufficiently for the club to reach a level of sustainability. In a $300 million deal with Spotify, the team will rename their stadium the Camp Nou and feature them on their jerseys. At the same time, the team refinanced their club debt with Goldman Sachs in a loan of more than $528 million that gives the club breathing space. As a result, Barcelona has agreed to sell 10 percent of their league TV rights for the next 25 years in return for $207.5 million. The pinnacle of their problems took place last summer when the storied Catalan club was forced to let go of Lionel Messi. Over the course of last season, Barca had a topsy-turvy campaign.

FC Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez will miss the start of the team's preseason tour in the United States, Catalan media has confirmed.

Due to these circumstances, Xavi will not be in charge for what should be the debuts of new signings Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who were landed from Leeds United and Bayern Munich respectively last week. The Catalans said that the coach "will be able to (travel) in the coming days". Yet this hasn't exactly proven true according to the likes of SPORT and As, who say on Tuesday that Xavi will miss the team's opening match against Inter Miami which takes place at 20.00 local time tonight but in the early hours of Wednesday morning over the Atlantic. Spanish citizens can usually gain access to American territory via obtaining a relatively hassle-free ESTA visa.

Barcelona have seemingly been defying logic to complete transfer business this summer. It's a huge gamble, and Liverpool will be part of making sure it ...

But any competition quite clearly designed with the aim of bailing out Barcelona will not be well-received at Anfield. FSG have managed to stay competitive without jeopardising the future of the club, but it is only going to get harder to keep up with the hyper-clubs. The aim at Barcelona is surely to try and limp through until the Super League returns, the golden cash cow that will solve all of their problems. Nevertheless, the Super League is not the answer. Meanwhile, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski have been unveiled as exciting new additions in the transfer market, with the signings totalling £92m. The juxtaposition is jarring. The sheer strength of backlash caused a near-instant climbdown from all but three of the founder members, Liverpool included.

Barcelona have recently splashed a fortune by securing the services of Robert Lewandowski. The former Bayern Munich forward is set to sign a four-year ...

He is also arguably the most high-profile signing Barcelona have made since the capture of Luis Suarez in 2014. Barcelona have recently splashed a fortune by securing the services of Robert Lewandowski. The former Bayern Munich forward is set to sign a four-year contract at Camp Nou, with the club likely to fork out a fee of around €45 million, plus €5 million in performance-related variables. Widely regarded as one of the best strikers to ever grace the beautiful game, Lewandowski is indeed one of the most popular players in world football.

It had been thought for some time that there was no possibility of Barcelona managing to secure a deal for the Polish forward, with the club said to be in ...

Speaking upon the confirmation of the signing, De Ligt told Bayern Munich's website: 'I'm very happy to become a player for this great club. A deal has stalled recently with De Jong said to be keen to remain at Barcelona. It had been thought that Barcelona needed to get rid of players this summer before bringing any in.

Barcelona kick off their pre-season tour of the United States this evening at 20:00 local time – that's 02:00 in Spain. They face Inter Miami, ...

Barcelona drew their first pre-season friendly – against Catalan side Olot – 1-1. After facing Inter Miami they take on Real Madrid at the weekend in Las Vegas before locking horns with Juventus. They finish the trip against New York Red Bulls and then fly home to contest the Joan Gamper Trophy at Camp Nou with Mexican side Pumas. Barcelona should set up in a 4-3-3 with Inaki Pena starting in goal behind a back four of Sergino Dest, Ronald Araujo, Eric Garcia and Jordi Alba. Sergio Busquets will anchor the midfield with Pedri and Gavi either side of him and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – flanked by Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele – will lead the line.

Mandarin Oriental is achieving several firsts with its new Barcelona residences. Not only is this the first-ever international standalone residential complex ...

Owners will have access to luxury amenities that Mandarin Oriental is revered for, but these amenities will be exclusively available to residents. “This is truly a unique property located in the heart of a historic city with uninterrupted views of Barcelona,” Wong Ettelson says. Mandarin Oriental Residences, Barcelona, situated along the famed Passeig de Gràcia, is a 20-story building with 30 apartments and four penthouses.

Barcelona said Tuesday the fee to acquire striker Robert Lewandowski could reach 50 million euros ($50.2 million). The Spanish club said it will pay Bayern ...

His official signing and presentation were originally scheduled for Monday but it was delayed without an official reason given by Barcelona. The buyout clause for the 33-year-old Lewandowski will be set at 500 million euros ($512 million) on a contract valid for four seasons. The Spanish club said it will pay Bayern Munich 45 million euros ($46 million) plus 5 million euros ($5.1 million) in variables for the transfer of the prolific Poland player.

FC Barcelona continue their 2022 preseason fixture schedule with a trip to sunny South Florida for a club friendly against David Beckham's MLS club Inter ...

Still, Inter Miami is not expected to win the match, and the odds reflect that. 120 mins to kick: No matter the result, Inter Miami players and fans will relish the chance to take on one of the world's high-profile clubs. The Inter Miami defense is all over the place, and it starts with a Pedri backheel to Raphinha who finds Aubameyang while falling down. He took the field for warmups with his teammates to get some cardio in before eventually seeing himself to a place in the stands. With his back to goal diving level with the ground, it's a miracle he was even able to come close with that chance. Inter Miami hardly have a dangerous kick in the entire match. 26th min: GOAL, BARCELONA! This time coming down the left flank, Barcelona attacks again and it's a poor showing from Inter Miami goalkeeper Nick Marsman to let the visitors double the lead. He had a good opportunity to find the back of the net but was too unselfish for the moment. A rocketed delivery into the mixer comes to the feet of Gavi who rips it into the back of the net. It was almost fitting that a player with the glitz and flair of Raphinha made his first Barcelona appearance in a city of equal glamor. This time, Ousmane Dembele does it all by himself, charging down the right on the ball before cutting inside at the top of the box and making the entire Inter Miami back line look silly. Inter Miami brought both David Beckham's son Romeo and Neville's son Harvey off the bench for cameos, but it was only a slight respite on an otherwise comprehensive defeat.

Barcelona have confirmed they have reached an agreement of €45million + €5 million in variables (£42.5million total) with Bayern Munich for the signing of.

Raphael Honigstein Raphael Honigstein 238 of those came in a Bayern shirt.

Lewandowski, 33, had one year left on his contract with Bayern Munich.

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Fans got a glimpse of the new home kit for the upcoming campaign at the DRV PNK Stadium. They were also treated to the sight of Barça's new signings Raphinha ...

“We are building a very competitive team with top players,” the Spaniard said. We have to fight for all of the major titles.” Fellow forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ansu Fati scored on either side of his strike in the first period.

Barcelona have taken no prisoners in the summer transfer window. Despite having been the butt of many a joke in world football over the last few years…

The result is a gamble of sorts where the Blaugrana are hoping that continued investment in the quality of their playing staff helps to spur them on to triumphs that will, in turn, bolster their financial situation. Compiling a fascinating breakdown of the situation and bagging over 33,000 ‘likes’ for their troubles, the way in which Barcelona are able to make these major signings while keeping their head above water is laid bare for the world. And with all of this unfolding within the strict financial rules of La Liga, it seems absolutely mind-boggling that the Catalan giants are still able to throw their weight around in the transfer market.

Barcelona kicked off their US pre-season tour in a sensational fashion as they thrashed Inter Miami 0-6 at the DRV PNK Stadium.

In fact, it’s a blessing for us. And Oscar Hernandez believes that such depth is a good thing for the team. The club made a big effort when bringing him in.”

New FC Barcelona signing Raphinha has boasted that his new club are better than bitter rivals Real Madrid.

"Everyone will make an extra [effort] to want to play. Competition is good for the players, but especially for the team," he concluded. "Barca is in good hands and must fight for big titles," he insisted.

Lewandowski will sign a four-year contract with a release clause set at 500 million euros ($511.35 million), Barcelona said in a statement.

Lewandowski will sign a four-year contract with a release clause set at 500 million euros ($511.35 million), Barcelona said in a statement. Barcelona have signed Poland striker Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich for up to 50 million euros ($51.14 million), the two clubs said on Tuesday.

Are you a Barcelona fan looking for a Robert Lewandowski jersey? Well, you may be disappointed.

The Catalan club will return to action on Sunday against bitter rivals Real Madrid, and there is a probability that Xavi might use Lewandowski on that day. However the Nike store at the premises of Camp Nou has run out of stock - because they have run out of the letter W to put on their strips for fans. Well, you may be disappointed.

Barcelona's official club shop cannot sell Robert Lewandowski shirts right now - because they have run out of the letter W.

"I've always wanted to play in La Liga and for the big clubs. Lewandowski shirts are unavailable at the megastore outside the Camp Nou thanks to a letter shortage. He told Barcelona's official website: "I'm finally here.

Robert Lewandowski's transfer to Barcelona was announced on Tuesday, and it's fair to say Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is baffled by it.

to bring in hundreds of millions of euros to help ease the burden in the short term, most notably through the sale of a percentage of their La Liga TV rights for the next 25 years. I don't know how." And for a club which has gone through years of financial mismanagement, resulting in huge debt and a bloated wage bill, the vast sums of money spent have left Nagelsmann confused.

It is looking increasingly likely that Robert Lewandowski will make his Barcelona debut during Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid in Las Vegas.

It is looking increasingly likely that Robert Lewandowski will make his Barcelona debut during Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid in Las Vegas. Robert Lewandowski Likely To Make Barcelona Debut In Vegas Clasico Against Real Madrid Lewandowski delighted fans by taking part in a public training session on the field before kick-off.

Inter Miami CF hosted LaLiga giants FC Barcelona for a historic friendly at a sold-out DRV PNK Stadium on Tuesday night. Numerous Inter Miami players, ...

Inter Miami lined up for the special affair with a strong starting XI featuring many regular starters, as well as many returning faces. Inter Miami CF hosted LaLiga giants FC Barcelona for a historic friendly at a sold-out DRV PNK Stadium on Tuesday night. The match pitted Inter Miami against the Spanish side for its second-ever international friendly and featured the largest crowd in DRV PNK Stadium history.

Chelsea could be set to beat Barcelona to the signing of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde by sending Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso to the Camp Nou.

Paper Round’s view: Chelsea have just lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen for free after their contracts expired at Stamford Bridge. The club will not want this to happen again any time soon. The Standard report that new deals for England duo Mason Mount and Reece James has become a priority and is viewed as a “statement of intent” from the new owners. West Ham would be a smarter decision as he would be able to settle back in quite easily – rather than taking a risk going to Forest just for a potentially better wage packet. They need to replace Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and now Azpilicueta – who is reported to be heading to Barcelona. Thomas Tuchel could end up with a whole new set of centre-backs (except Thiago Silva). Kounde would be a brilliant addition alongside Koulibaly, while Kimpembe would give them the defensive depth needed to compete for multiple trophies this coming season. Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, according to the Standard. The 23-year-old has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, but Barcelona are also in the race to secure Kounde’s signature. Chelsea are hoping to add to the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly with Kounde and Kimpembe. It makes sense – even though they will end up spending a huge amount of money on centre-backs this summer.

The club have indeed managed to bring in the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Franck Kessie, among many others. They are now looking to add a bit more ...

His potential move to Chelsea could force Barcelona to look elsewhere. It is no secret that the club were concerned about Kounde’s departure taking an eternity. The club have indeed managed to bring in the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Franck Kessie, among many others.

ESPN · Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (19') · Raphinha (25') · Ansu Fati (41') · Gavi (55') · Memphis Depay (69') · Ousmane Dembélé (70').

His brother and Barca assistant Oscar took his place for the friendly, with Xavi trying to be in the country ahead of Saturday's preseason Clasico against Real Madrid in Las Vegas. I hope I can continue like this." "I'm very happy to score my first goal and for things having turned out well in my debut.

The Dutch midfielder has been United's top transfer target this summer since his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag took over the reins at Old Trafford. An agreement ...

As opposed to United, he recognizes that Chelsea have a "sporting project and a structure that lives up to their sporting aspirations", first of all because they will play in the Champions League next season and, secondly, under the guidance of master technician Thomas Tuchel, they are also in a position to fight to win the competition and challenge for the Premier League as well. While De Jong and his teammates enjoy an American summer and get ready to face Real Madrid in four days' time, reports allege that De Jong would be open to a move to Chelsea. An agreement in principle between the two clubs has been in place for some time according to reports, with the Red Devils willing to pay a guranteed €75mn first of all and a further €10mn in add-ons.

Barcelona registered a smashing 6-0 win against Inter Miami in a pre-season friendly at Drive Pink Stadium.

All eyes were on the Polish international after he was officially announced on Tuesday afternoon. "One always tries to score against anyone, but if it's in a derby, even more. Xavi switched his entire starting XI in the second half but that hardly hampered their scoring form as they netted three more.

Robert Lewandowski has been officially introduced by Barcelona saying he is ready to make history with the Spanish club.

“We have a lot of work to do.” We are putting Barça back in its place in the world. We are trying to put together a more and more competitive team.”

Robert Lewandowski, who was formally introduced by FC Barcelona on Wednesday, said he is “hungry for goals” and expects to make debut vs.

We have a lot of work to do, but there is a lot of quality in the squad and a lot of potential. “In football it’s important to have the will to win, and I think I’m in the best place to do that,” Lewandowski said. “That’s why they are one of the best teams in the world.” “This is a system which favors me, and I think I can really help the team moving forward.” “You look at their front six, it is probably going to be the best in the world — Lewandowski, Raphinha, Fati, Aubameyang. ... It was a big challenge for us, playing against world-class players. Forward Leo Campana missed the game with a knee injury and goalkeeper Drake Callender was rested.